Times wires
Thursday, February 24, 2011

New coach John Fox said Thursday that Kyle Orton is his starting quarterback, not the popular but unpolished former Gator Tim Tebow.

That could change in camp, of course, but Tebow has a long way to go to catch up to Orton, a sixth-year pro who is a better pocket passer if not as bruising a runner.

"I don't think we'll really figure it out until we start competing," Fox said. "… Right now Kyle Orton is our starter."

Orton started the first 13 games last season but gave way to Tebow, the former Heisman Trophy winner, for the final three games.

Labor Status: George Cohen, the federal mediator overseeing talks said the owners and players union made "some progress" during more than 40 hours spread over seven days of meetings, but "very strong differences remain."

The league and union will resume mediation Tuesday, less than 72 hours before the collective bargaining agreement is set to expire. If there's no new deal in place by the end of Thursday, the union believes owners will lock out players, threatening the 2011 season. The NFL has said that the deadline could be extended.

"During the intervening weekend, the parties have been asked by us to assess their current positions," Cohen said.

Also, there was a hearing before a U.S. District Court judge in Minneapolis to discuss the NFLPA's complaint that the league improperly negotiated TV deals. The union accused the NFL of structuring contracts so owners would be guaranteed money from networks even if there were a lockout in 2011 — while not getting the most revenue possible in other seasons, when income would need to be shared with players.

Concussions: NFL doctors and trainers will use standardized sideline testing next season to diagnose concussions. League officials are scheduled today to unveil new guidelines by which all 32 teams use the same questions for players' baseline tests. The policy would also add a balance test to the list of other tests already being used.

Bengals: Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was sentenced to probation and 200 hours of community service under a plea deal for his role in a 2007 strip club melee in Las Vegas in which three people were injured. Jones received a suspended sentence and was ordered to receive anger management counseling. He will undergo random drug testing.

Dolphins: General manager Jeff Ireland said Chad Henne remains the starter for now, but he didn't rule out drafting a quarterback. Free agent tight end Jeremy Shockey, a former Hurricane, is being evaluated by and passed a physical for team trainers, the Miami Herald reported.

Giants: Co-owner John Mara said the team is ramping up talks to sign coach Tom Coughlin to a contract extension, Newsday reported.

Raiders: The team placed the franchise tag on linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and agreed to deals with potential free agent cornerback Stanford Routt (three years, $31.5 million) and defensive tackle John Henderson (two years, $8 million). The franchise tag guarantees Wimbley a deal projected to be worth more than $10 million.

Andy Villamarzo, Times Correspondent
Thursday, February 24, 2011

LAND O'LAKES — Wiregrass Ranch has been making steady improvements the past several seasons. The Bulls almost forcefully had to, what with county powerhouse Land O'Lakes in their district.

But Thursday night presented a chance for the Bulls to rise to the occasion and show early in the season that they are almost on the same level as the Gators in 4A-8.

With the Bulls sending out ace John Michael Gant, a Long Island University signee, they grabbed an 8-4 lead that would disintegrate and Wiregrass would have to go into an extra inning to sneak out with a 9-8 victory over Land O'Lakes.

"We're trying to be Land O'Lakes," Wiregrass coach Jeff Swymer said. "That's what we want out of our program, and that's where we want to be. With Gant and (Land O'Lakes' Brad) Hencke against each other, 9-8 was the last thing I thought. Especially in extra innings."

Wiregrass (4-1, 2-1) took the early one-run lead after one inning and Gant (eight strikeouts) cruised through the first nine batters, but Land O'Lakes got a three-run homer from Gino Pepenella in the bottom of the third to give the Gators (2-1, 2-1) a 4-1 lead.

After exchanging runs through the next three innings, the Gators, trailing 8-7, tied the game in the bottom of the seventh after loading the bases and sent the game into extra innings.

In the top of the eighth, though, the Bulls got a key hit from senior Chris Kluender, who singled in Michael Ayle for the winner.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Boston traded starting center Kendrick Perkins, and Hasheem Thabeet, Nenad Krstic, Joel Przybilla and Nazr Mohammed were some other men in the middle who were dealt Thursday before the trade deadline.

The Clippers' Baron Davis and the Bobcats' Gerald Wallace were among the former All-Stars who moved on a busy day.

The Celtics traded Perkins, their starting center who had recently returned from a knee injury sustained in Game 6 of last year's NBA Finals, along with Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green, Krstic, a future first-round draft pick and cash.

"He's a team-first guy, plays great low-post defense," Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau, a former Boston assistant, said of Perkins. "There may not be a better low-post defender."

Boston also dealt backup big man Semih Erden and reserve swingman Marquis Daniels.

The Celtics get back Green, the power forward they drafted at No. 5 in 2007 but traded to Seattle for Ray Allen. With Perkins gone and Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal battling injuries most of the season, interior defense is now a question mark for a team that appeared to have loaded up on it before the season.

Wallace was an All-Star last season but is owed about $21 million over the next two years, so the cost-cutting Bobcats had been shopping him. He'll try to help the Trail Blazers reach the postseason.

"He is just the sort of talent we were looking for," Blazers owner Paul Allen said.

Davis and an unprotected 2011 first-round draft pick went from the Clippers to Cleveland for Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon. Davis and Cavs coach Byron Scott clashed when they were in New Orleans. Scott said the point guard apologized for his past behavior before a preseason game.

Aaron Brooks was dealt from Houston to Phoenix for Goran Dragic and a first-round pick. He will back up Steve Nash.

Around the league: Mavs owner Mark Cuban is unhappy with a Kings-Hornets trade because it increases the payroll of the Hornets, whom the league purchased this season in a $300 million bailout move. Sacramento forward Carl Landry went to New Orleans for guard Marcus Thornton and cash. Landry's $3 million salary is about $2.25 million more than Thornton's. With the owners funding the Hornets, Cuban said, "I don't need to be competing economically with the league and myself."

Bulls topple Heat: Derrick Rose scored 26 and Luol Deng added 20, including the tiebreaking 3 with 16 seconds left, and the host Bulls beat the Heat 93-89. Dwyane Wade scored 34 and LeBron James 29 for Miami, but Chris Bosh missed 17 of 18 shots and had seven points with mostly Joakim Noah guarding him.

Bulls 93, Heat 89

MIAMI (89): James 12-21 5-6 29, Bosh 1-18 5-6 7, Dampier 2-2 1-1 5, Chalmers 4-6 2-2 12, Wade 12-24 10-12 34, Jones 0-3 0-0 0, House 1-5 0-0 2, Anthony 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 32-79 23-27 89.

CHICAGO (93): Deng 7-12 5-5 20, Boozer 7-12 2-2 16, Noah 3-6 1-2 7, Rose 9-24 7-8 26, Bogans 0-4 2-2 2, Gibson 2-8 1-2 5, Brewer 4-6 0-0 8, Asik 0-0 0-0 0, Watson 0-3 2-2 2, Korver 2-7 1-2 7. Totals 34-82 21-25 93.

Miami 31 22 14 22— 89

Chicago 23 21 27 22— 93

3-Point Goals—Miami 2-12 (Chalmers 2-2, Wade 0-1, House 0-2, Jones 0-3, James 0-4), Chi. 4-21 (Korver 2-6, Deng 1-4, Rose 1-5, Watson 0-2, Bogans 0-4). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Miami 47 (James 10), Chi. 56 (Asik 11). Assists—Miami 12 (James 5), Chi. 17 (Rose 6). Total Fouls—Miami 23, Chi. 27. Technicals—Wade, Miami three second. A—23,024.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — After the regular-season finale at New Orleans, Bucs CB Ronde Barber discussed the factors involved in his decision to return for a 15th season.

"It's not all about the money," Barber said at the time.

At this point in his career, the chance to win another championship motivates Barber, who agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday. According to information filed with the NFL Players Association, Barber will earn $4 million in base salary in 2011. The contract is not believed to include a signing bonus but would be guaranteed if Barber is on the roster once the regular season starts since he is a vested veteran.

Barber will be 36 when the 2011 season begins and said he has no desire to play with another team. But he also is the starting right cornerback, so his salary needed to reflect that fact.

"He brings a lot of leadership to our football team, as you know, on and off the football field," GM Mark Dominik said. "He's really learned how to train his body so he can play a long time. I think that's the most amazing thing about Ronde is that he can play out there on an island at his age and play at such as high level the way he did last year again.

"To surpass 100 tackles again last year and to break some records by Hall of Famers, it's good to have him back. I know we need him, and we're glad he decided to come back and play another year, and it worked out between the two parties."

BEARS' SMITH GETS EXTENSION: Bears coach Lovie Smith was rewarded with a two-year contract extension Friday on the heels of an 11-5 season and appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

Smith's contact runs through 2013, the same as Bears GM Jerry Angelo. Both worked together in Tampa Bay.

"Of course I feel great about the extension, like I have every day I've been on the job as the head coach of the Chicago Bears," Smith said from the NFL combine in Indianapolis. "Great organization. We have great players who come to work every day. We have an excellent coaching staff.

"I'm in position to be here and get that extension based on what the players and our staff have done."

AGENTS STAND BEHIND PLAYERS: DeMaurice Smith, the NFL Players Association's executive director, addressed about 700 certified player agents at the scouting combine.

During the meeting, four of the most prominent agents in the league emerged in a symbol of solidarity behind the union and its players — Ben Dogra, Drew Rosenhaus, Joel Segal and Tom Condon.

"There's unity among the agents, certainly among the players," Rosenhaus said. "There's great confidence in the leadership. There's a tremendous plan, should there be a lockout. I love the position the union is taking — support the union 100 percent. We're behind De Smith."

The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players expires Thursday.

Times staff
Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Autos

Trucks: Lucas Oil 150 qualifying, 5 p.m., Speed

Trucks: Lucas Oil 150, 8 p.m., Speed

Bowling

PBA: U.S. Open, 6 p.m., ESPN2

Boxing

Featherweight: Burgos vs. Cruz, 9 p.m., ESPN2, ESPND

Jr. welterweight: Garcia vs. TBA, 11:30 p.m., TeleF

Jr. welterweight: Santos vs. Pabon, 11:30 p.m., TeleM

College baseball

Elon at USF , 7 p.m., 1010-AM

College basketball

Detroit at Wright State, 7 p.m., ESPNU

Siena at Fairfield, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Iona at St. Peter's, 9 p.m., ESPNU

College hockey

Niagara at Rochester Institute of Tech., 7:30 p.m., CBSCS

Golf

LPGA: HSBC Women's Champions, 11 a.m., Golf

WGC: Match Play Championship, 2 p.m., Golf

PGA: Mayakoba Classic (taped), 6:30 p.m., Golf

Horses

Trackside Live: Tampa Bay Downs, 4 p.m., Sun Sports

NBA

Thunder at Magic, 8 p.m., ESPN, FSN; 1040-AM

Nuggets at Trail Blazers, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

NHL

Rangers at Capitals, 7 p.m., NHL

Devils at Lightning, 7:30 p.m., Sun Sports; 620-AM

Tennis

ATP: Dubai Championship, 10 a.m., Tennis

WTA Championship (taped), 12:30 p.m., Tennis

ATP: Mexico Open, 6 p.m., Tennis

ATP: Mexico Open, 10 p.m., Tennis

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Autos

NHRA: Winternationals qualifying, 2 p.m., ESPN2

Sprint Cup: Subway 500 qualifying, 3:30 p.m., Speed

Nationwide: Bashas Supermarkets 200, 5:30 p.m., ESPN2

Baseball, spring training

Pirates at Rays, 1 p.m., 620-AM

Phillies at Yankees, 1 p.m., MLB

Rockies at Diamondbacks, 11 p.m., MLB

College baseball

Elon at USF, 7 p.m., 1010-AM

College basketball

Tulsa at Marshall, 10 a.m., CBSCS

Bowling Green at Miami (Ohio), 11 a.m., ESPNU

Missouri at Kansas State, noon, ESPN

Boston College at Virginia, noon, FSN

Syracuse at Georgetown, noon, Ch. 10

Wichita State at Missouri State, 1 p.m., ESPN2

Arkansas at Auburn, 1:30 p.m., Ch. 38

Miami at Florida State, 2 p.m., Ch. 44; 1040-AM

USF at DePaul, 2 p.m., Ch. 28; 1250-AM

BYU at San Diego State, 2 p.m., Ch. 10; 1010-AM

St. John's at Villanova, 2 p.m., ESPN

Florida at Kentucky, 4 p.m., Ch. 10

Arizona at UCLA, 4 p.m., FSN

Alabama at Mississippi, 4 p.m., Ch. 38

Wake Forest at Clemson, 4 p.m., Sun Sports

Kansas at Oklahoma, 4 p.m., ESPN

Michigan at Minnesota, 4:30 p.m., Big Ten

Alabama-Birmingham at Houston, 6 p.m., CBSCS

Mississippi State at Tennessee, 6 p.m., ESPN

Iowa at Illinois, 7 p.m., Big Ten

South Carolina at Georgia, 7 p.m., Sun Sports

Seton Hall at Notre Dame, 7 p.m., ESPNU

New Mexico at TCU, 8 p.m., CBSCS

UC Santa Barbara at Long Beach State, 8 p.m., ESPN2

Texas A&M at Baylor, 9 p.m., ESPN2

Duke at Virginia Tech, 9 p.m., ESPN

Texas at Colorado (taped), 11:30 p.m., BHSN

College basketball, women

USF at Villanova, noon, BHSN; 1010-AM

High school basketball, girls finals

5A: Sickles or Winter Haven vs. Ft. Lauderdale Dillard or G'ville Buchholz, 3:30 p.m., BHSN

6A: Miami Krop or Lake Mary vs. South Broward or Orlando Dr. Phillips, 7 p.m., BHSN

4A: Lakewood or Leesburg vs. Titusville or Pensacola (taped), 9 p.m., BHSN

NBA

Bulls at Bucks, 8:30 p.m., WGN

Celtics at Clippers, 10:30 p.m., NBA

NHL

Penguins at Maple Leafs, 7 p.m., NHL

SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Autos

Sprint Cup: Subway 500, 3 p.m., Ch. 13

Baseball, spring training

Rays at Pirates, 1 p.m., 620-AM

Angels at Dodgers, 3 p.m., MLB

Yankees at Phillies (taped), 8 p.m., MLB

College basketball

Connecticut at Cincinnati, noon, ESPNU

West Virginia at Rutgers, noon, Ch. 28

Xavier at Dayton, 1 p.m., ESPN2

Pittsburgh at Louisville, 2 p.m., Ch. 10

Indiana at Ohio State, 4 p.m., Ch. 10

Northwestern at Wisconsin, 6 p.m., Big Ten

North Carolina vs. Maryland, 8 p.m., FSN; 1010-AM

Maryland at North Carolina, 8 p.m., FSN

NBA

Lakers at Thunder, 2:30 p.m., Ch. 28; 1040-AM

Bobcats at Magic, 6 p.m., Sun Sports; 1040-AM

Knicks at Heat, 8 p.m., ESPN, ESPND

Hawks at Trail Blazers, 10:30 p.m., ESPN, NBA

NHL

Lightning at Rangers, 1 p.m., Sun Sports; 1250-AM

Coyotes at Blackhawks, 7 p.m., NHL

TV: BHSN: Bright House Sports Network; CBSCS: CBS College Sports Network; ESPND: ESPN Deportes; FSC: Fox Soccer Channel; FSN: Fox Sports Net; TeleF: Telefutura; TeleM: Telemundo

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

TAMPA — USF will play four of its seven Big East football games this season on weeknights, including two home games to finish the season, against Louisville and West Virginia.

"The first thing that jumps out to me is the exposure," coach Skip Holtz said of the schedule, released Friday by the league. "Two Thursday nights and two Friday nights, so that's an opportunity to get a lot of exposure from those games. Playing West Virginia in the final game, on Saturday you'd be up against the conference championship games, but on that Thursday, we're one of the only games in town."

The finale against West Virginia could have BCS implications, as the Bulls and Mountaineers are expected to be picked among the Big East's preseason favorites. None of the four weeknight games comes after a bye, so the Bulls will have four conference games with less than a week to prepare, but in all four games, USF's opponent has the identical number of days after its previous game.

The two byes give USF distinct advantages in preparation for two key Big East games — the Bulls have 16 days to prepare for UConn and 14 for Rutgers.

From a weather standpoint, USF caught breaks for the second year in a row — the final two league games are at home, and even the last road game is at Syracuse, so the Bulls will be in a dome, making their last northern trip Nov. 5 at Rutgers.

NOTES: Junior linebacker Armando Sanchez, a special-teams standout the past two seasons, will get a look at fullback in the spring. Sanchez, a Northeast High graduate, has 33 tackles in the past two seasons, mostly on kick coverage.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Mike Smith cleared re-entry waivers. He drove back to Tampa from Norfolk and will dress as a backup tonight against the Devils, coach Guy Boucher said.

What does this mean for newly acquired goaltender Curtis McElhinney? Probably that he will be put on waivers with the intent of sending him to the minors. Unless someone wants to trade for him, which, given his numbers lately, is probably unlikely.

More stuff from the morning skate: As expected, Dwayne Roloson gets the start in net. ... McElhinney showed some class in addressing his situation. "For the time being I'm here," he said. "Try to fit in, get comfortable and make the best of the situation." ... D Mike Lundin apparently is getting closer to returning. Boucher said Lundin, who will miss his eighth game tonight with what is believed an abdominal injury, likely will practice with the team next week. A timetable to get him back on the ice will be determined from those workouts. ... The Devils are on an amazing 16-1-2 streak and have won eight straight. Boucher could not say enough about the team, calling it the most patient in the league with the puck. "They're extremely disciplined in their structure," Boucher said. "Nobody gets out of their structure and that's very rare. They're all in sync and that's the greatest strength that Jacques (coach, Lemaire) has. They're all on the same page and they don't give anything." ... Boucher predicted a 1-0 or 2-1 game. ... Here's an interesting stat: left wing Sean Bergenheim has four goals and two assists in his past six games, but also 19 shots. It took Bergenheim 15 previous games to get 19 shots. Boucher said part of it is putting the player in the right spot. In this case that is on a third line with center Dominic Moore and right wing Adam Hall. But Bergenheim said he believes a bigger part was the illness he battled after Christmas and through January. "Getting that energy back, that's the biggest thing getting back to the game I was playing," Bergenheim said. ... That line of Moore with wins Bergenheim and Hall was put together when center Nate Thompson was out with concussion-like symptoms. And while it has broken up the very effective line of Thompson with Hall and Dana Tyrell, Boucher said he's not touching Moore's line right now. "It's playing against the first lines, playing in the offensive zone. It's doing all the details right defensively, and it brings so much energy." ... Lot of love from Boucher to GM Steve Yzerman. "I had a shopping list and the shopping list has almost been filled," Boucher said of the roster additions of Roloson and defensmen Marc-Andre Bergeron and Eric Brewer. "Since this summer when you look at everything we needed, everything has fallen into place or we wouldn't be here. The choices he's made and the way he's done it, I'm quite impressed."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

GAINESVILLE — New Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis' contract is for three years with a base salary starting at $765,000 annually, according to documents released Friday by the university.

Weis, the former Notre Dame coach and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator hired by new UF coach Will Muschamp, becomes the highest-paid assistant in program history. And Muschamp's staff will make more than $3.09 million for the 2011 season. Muschamp has a five-year deal worth $13.5 million, or $2.7 million annually.

Weis received a $100,000 signing bonus and will receive $10,000 annually from the school's Nike apparel contract. He is also entitled to a $100,000 increase on Feb. 1, 2012.

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn agreed to a two-year deal with a base salary of $490,000, and an additional $10,000 from the Nike deal. He will receive a $20,000 raise Feb. 1, 2012.

Receivers coach Aubrey Hill, tight ends coach Derek Lewis and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson all received one-year contracts. Hill and Robinson will receive a base salary of $230,000, while Lewis will receive $190,000. Defensive line coach Bryant Young will receive $230,000 for two years, and offensive line and running game coordinator Frank Verducci gets $290,000 for two years. Linebackers and special teams coach D.J. Durkin and running backs coach Brian White, both of whom were retained from Urban Meyer's staff, will earn $240,000 in base salary with contracts that run through January 2012. All will receive $10,000 annually from the Nike apparel contract.

The salaries don't include potential income from annuities, sports camps and clinics, housing benefits, speaking engagements, TV and radio programs, endorsements, and car leases, which are not specifically noted in the contracts.

The salaries represent a difference of about $210,000 from Meyer's coaching staff.

Ohio State: Offensive lineman Chris Carter of Cleveland's Kennedy High, signed his letter of intent, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Carter's signing was delayed after he was arrested earlier this month and accused of fondling as many as eight female classmates while he was measuring them for ROTC uniforms. The prosecutor's office decided there was not enough evidence of sexual contact to charge Carter.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE — C John Jaso might stay at the top of the Rays' batting order because of his ability to get things going. And manager Joe Maddon was thrilled with the way Jaso started Friday's intrasquad game, even more so that it was at 9 a.m.

Jaso worked a seven-pitch at-bat before singling off Joel Peralta, went from first to third on Evan Longoria's one-out single to left (a maneuver the Rays want to incorporate more this season) and scored on a sac fly to right by Manny Ramirez.

"That's a great way to start everything because all we talk about is the team aspect regarding playing offense," Maddon said. "And everything we talk about showed up in that first at-bat."

The 2½-inning game — won by the House of Davey (managed by bench coach Dave Martinez) 1-0 over Charlie's Angels (led by Triple-A manager Charlie Montoyo) — was staged in part to work on bunt plays (executing and defending) and pickoffs at game speed.

"I couldn't be more happy with what I saw," Maddon said. "They were really sharp. They were after it, and it was very focused. And that's what you're looking for. We try to make a point of the little things being so important. And you just saw them actually take that out to a 9 o'clock exhibition. I loved it."

Jaso will be at the top of the order again for today's exhibition opener as Maddon will begin his deliberations with the lineup looking like this: Jaso, Johnny Damon, Longoria, Ramirez, Ben Zobrist, B.J. Upton, Dan Johnson, Sean Rodriguez and Reid Brignac.

"You're probably going to see the top part when they all play together look like that pretty much," Maddon said.

A FOR ALEX: RHP Alex Cobb, a 23-year-old who was at Double-A Montgomery last season, made the biggest impression of the five pitchers with a 1-2-3 inning that included strikeouts of Sam Fuld (looking) and Robinson Chirinos — with Maddon, executive vice president Andrew Friedman and other team officials watching.

"He had a very calm demeanor about him," Maddon said. "I kind of liked it."

"It's a lot of fun," Cobb said.

PITCHING IN: RHP Jeremy Hel­lickson, sidelined since straining his right hamstring Feb. 17, is set to throw a bullpen session Sunday. He'd need a combination of four or five bullpen and batting practice sessions before appearing in his first game. … RHP Matt Bush, the 2004 No. 1 overall pick by the Padres trying to make it with the Rays after dealing with alcohol issues, will face big-league hitters for just the second time today having made one spring appearance for Toronto in 2009. "It feels very rewarding, like a big eye-opener," Bush said.

FOR STARTERS: LHP David Price started the Rays' final game of last season and is all but officially set to work the April 1 season opener. But today's one-inning stint in the first exhibition game is meaningful, too.

"The time is here," he said. "The season essentially starts (today) for me. That's very exciting."

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

2011 NFL executive of the year: Scott Pioli, GM, Kansas City. Narrowly over the Bucs' Mark Dominik, whose team played 13 rookies in winning games at season's end. But Pioli's draft (strong character players and impact rookies) … gave him the edge.

— Peter King, Sports Illustrated

INDIANAPOLIS — Mark Dominik is tired of what he believes is a growing perception that the Bucs won last season by riding the talent of two players with character issues — wide receiver Mike Williams and running back LeGarrette Blount.

Williams, a fourth-round pick from Syracuse, led all NFL rookies with 964 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. Blount, the former Oregon star who was claimed off waivers from the Tennessee Titans, led first-year players in rushing with 1,007 yards and six touchdowns.

Most NFL teams had taken both players off their draft boards. Williams had been suspended twice for missing curfew and quit the Orange football team with three games remaining. Blount was suspended after punching a Boise State player in the 2009 season opener.

"I don't believe we have taken shortcuts on character," Dominik said Friday from the NFL scouting combine, where Bucs officials are again conducting player interviews that will influence their draft-day decisions.

"I would say that, yes, character does matter. And in Tampa … we are certainly going to exhaust every means possible to dig into a guy that can help us."

Exactly one year ago, in Room 102 at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in downtown Indianapolis, Dominik, coach Raheem Morris and college scouting director Dennis Hickey met with a contrite Williams.

"You had to dig into his story of what occurred that evening," Dominik said. "There were enough question marks in his story that you said, 'Okay, I need to dig more from both aspects.' But at the same point, here's a guy you felt really loved playing football, you felt had a real passion about the game. … You could tell how much he missed the game."

Several weeks earlier, at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., the Bucs interviewed Blount and made him one of the 30 allotted players invited to their training facility before the draft.

At the time, Dominik believed the backfield was too crowded and did not try to sign Blount as an undrafted free agent. But the team targeted Blount as a player to follow closely throughout the preseason, and the Bucs jumped at the chance to claim him off waivers after they cut Derrick Ward in the preseason.

Those interviews, like the ones Dominik and his staff are conducting this week in the same hotel room in Indianapolis, lay the foundation for decisions that will continue to shape the youngest team in the league.

"That's where it started the process and, through that interview, opened up that door for us to say, 'Let's continue to explore. Let's continue to work on it,' " Dominik said.

"Just like with LeGarrette, we spent over an hour with (him) at the Senior Bowl. We said, 'Let's continue to explore instead of just take the perception outside, the media's perception of the guy.' "

Speaking of perceptions, Sports Illustrated's King said Friday that he credits Dominik and the Bucs for finding such value in Williams and Blount.

"I actually feel like in taking Mike Williams in the fourth round and in taking LeGarrette Blount off waivers and getting the production out of them, I totally applaud them," King said.

"That's one of the reasons I almost gave (Dominik) executive of the year. If he had taken Mike Williams in the bottom of the first round or top of the second, I would've said, 'It is too dangerous.' "

Last year, the Bucs staff drew fire for being too aggressive with players during their interviews. Hickey was criticized for asking Florida State defensive back Myron Rolle if he felt he abandoned the Seminoles by leaving to study at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

Dominik doesn't mind that scrutiny. He said the Bucs will continue to dig deep into players' backgrounds, hoping to find another Williams or Blount.

As for character, he points to players such as Cody Grimm, E.J. Biggers, Erik Lorig and Sammie Stroughter, who were all taken in the seventh round the past two years.

Aside from a decision by Williams in October to drive after drinking alcohol (he was arrested on suspicion of DUI, but the charges were later dropped) and staying out too late, Dominik believes the Bucs' two prized rookies conducted themselves well on and off the field.

"At the same time, you have to have a balance of what is acceptable and what you think is good for your football team and what you want to bring into your building," Dominik said. "We're going to continue to do the process the same way."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

Grapefruit League Storylines

A look at some of the key storylines facing the major league teams that hold spring training in Florida.

The St. Louis blues

Could this spring have started any worse for Cardinals fans? First, the deadline for contract negotiations set by superstar 1B Albert Pujols passed without an extension, meaning the future Hall of Famer could test free agency after this season. Then ace RHP Adam Wainwright's elbow troubles will force him to have Tommy John surgery, putting a big hole atop of the rotation. The Cardinals still have a playoff-caliber club, but overcoming the Reds in the NL Central just got that much tougher.

You ready, Fredi?

For the first spring in, well, forever, legendary manager Bobby Cox will not be leading the Braves. Though it'll undoubtedly be some big shoes to fill for Fredi Gonzalez, the former Marlins manager (and Braves coach), Cox has not left the cupboard bare. There's still a lot of young talent, with OF Jason Heyward and RHP Tommy Hanson, along with veterans like 3B Chipper Jones and RHP Tim Hudson, as well as their biggest offseason acquisition, 2B Dan Uggla.

Reloading Red Sox

Boston was among the big winners in the offseason — acquiring ex-Rays All-Star LF Carl Crawford and slugging 1B Adrian Gonzalez — to emerge as arguably the team to beat in the American League. The new faces, including bullpen arms like Bobby Jenks and ex-Ray Dan Wheeler, will join an already talented club which was ravaged by injuries (Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis) last season. They're healthy now, and with a bounce-back year from RHP Josh Beckett, look out.

Missing Morneau?

Twins All-Star 1B Justin Morneau's status remains a bit murky. Morneau missed the entire second half of last season due to a concussion he suffered in July. General manager Bill Smith has labeled Morneau as a "work in progress," and it appears he's feeling better, but it's still a question mark whether he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Cabrera controversy

Tigers MVP candidate 1B Miguel Cabrera returned to camp this week remorseful over his latest alcohol-related arrest, getting charged with driving under the influence and resisting an officer without violence on his way to Lakeland. Though Cabrera is expected to undergo treatment, he was cleared to join the team and resume workouts. Whether Cabrera can get his life in order and play the Tigers this spring remains to be seen.

Big bats for the Nats

RF Jayson Werth was one of the top offensive players available in free agency, and the Nationals hope that by signing the former Phillies star to a 7-year, $126-million deal, he could provide some pop in the middle of the lineup. But just like mega RHP prospect Steven Strasburg got plenty of attention in his first spring training, 2010 top pick, slugging RF Bryce Harper will likely garner hype in his first big-league exhibitions.

Buzz in Baltimore

Manager Buck Showalter's will have plenty of new tools in his first spring in Sarasota. After leading the Orioles to a 34-23 record following his mid-season takeover, Showalter & Co. revamped their lineup, acquiring DH Vladimir Guerrero, 3B Mark Reynolds and 1B Derrek Lee. Combined with incumbent standouts like RF Nick Markakis, 2B Brian Roberts and CF Adam Jones, and the Orioles are holding out hope they're closer to ending the streak of 13 consecutive losing seasons.

Center of attention

Marlins LF Chris Coghlan, an East Lake product, has made his splash in the big leagues, winning the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year Award. But with Florida trading CF Cameron Maybin in the offseason, Coghlan will have to adjust to moving to center, a new position for him. Coghlan, who is recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, should have an interesting spring ahead of him.

Another tough hurdle

The hiring of Clint Hurdle to manage the Pirates brought some optimism in Pittsburgh. Well, as optimistic as you can get for a team that lost 105 games last year and have posted 18 consecutive losing seasons. Hurdle has been part of World Series coaching staffs with the Rockies and, most recently, the Rangers, but will have his hands full in this Pirates project.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Today: at Yankees

Sunday: Yankees

Monday: at Blue Jays

March

1: Tigers (ss)

2: Orioles

3: at Red Sox

4: at Pirates

5: Pirates

6: (ss) at Tigers (ss) vs. Rays

7: at Yankees (ss)

8: Orioles

9: at Tigers

10: Yankees

11: at Orioles

12: (ss) vs. Rays (ss) at Pirates (ss)

13: (ss) at Twins (ss) (ss) vs. Neth­erlands at Al Lang Field

14: at Astros

15: at Blue Jays

17: Blue Jays

18: Pirates

19: at Orioles

20: Yankees

21: Red Sox

22: at Blue Jays

23: at Rays

24: Twins

25: Braves (ss)

26: (ss) vs. Blue Jays (ss) at Tigers

27: at Braves

28: Astros

29: Pirates (Phi.), 7

30: Pirates (Phi.), 4

February

Today: Phillies *

Sunday: at Phillies

Monday: at Tigers

March

1: at Pirates

2: Astros (ss)

3: at Rays

4: Red Sox, 7:05 *

5: Nationals *

6: at Astros

7: (ss) vs. Phillies * (ss) at O's (ss), 7:05

8: at Braves

9: Pirates, 7:05

10: at Phillies

11: (ss) vs. Braves (ss) at Blue Jays

12: at Nationals

13: Twins (ss) *

14: at Red Sox, 7:05

16: Orioles, 7:05

17: Rays, 7:05 *

18: at Blue Jays

19: Blue Jays *

20: at Phillies

21: at Rays, 7:05

22: at Orioles

23: Blue Jays, 7:05

25: Astros, 7:05 *

26: Pirates *

27: at Twins

28: Rays, 7:05

29: Tigers

* Sold out

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Today: Tigers

Sunday: at Tigers

Monday: Phillies

March

1: at Tigers (ss)

2: Rays

3: Pirates

4: (ss) at Braves (ss) (ss) vs. Canada, at Al Lang Field

5: Tigers (ss)

6: at Pirates

8: at Rays

9: at Rays (ss)

10: at Twins

11: Yankees (ss)

12: (ss) vs. Pirates (ss) (ss) at Tigers

13: Rays

15: Phillies

16: at Pirates

17: at Phillies

18: Yankees

19: at Yankees

20: Twins

22: Phillies

23: at Yankees, 7:05

24: Braves

25: at Red Sox, 7:05

26: at Phillies (ss)

27: Orioles (ss)

28: Red Sox

29: at Orioles

30: at Rays (Tropicana Field), 4:10

All games 1:05 unless noted

Philadelphia Phillies

Where: Bright House Field, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater

Tickets: $7-$18; (727) 467-4457

Key additions: LHP Cliff Lee, INF Michael Martinez

Key losses: RHP Chad Durbin, RF Jayson Werth

Spring story lines

The right stuff: The biggest position battle comes in replacing Werth in rightfield as touted prospect Domonic Brown competes with Ben Francisco and John Mayberry. Brown, 23, a Zephyr­hills native and former Pasco High star who is rated the game's No. 4 prospect by Baseball America, will get a hard look with the Phillies wanting to see him make strides defensively.

Picking the pen: The Phillies boast a healthy closer in RHP Brad Lidge, and RHP Ryan Madson, RHP Jose Contreras, RHP Danys Baez and LHP J.C. Romero are locks for the bullpen. But they will have to decide on one or two others with LHP Antonio Bastardo a possibility. RHP Kyle Kendrick might step in the long role left by Durbin.

Getting offensive: Though the Phillies ranked second in the National League in runs last season, they're hoping for bounce-back seasons from SS Jimmy Rollins, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard, CF Shane Victorino and LF Raul Ibanez. Getting off to strong spring starts at the plate couldn't hurt.

New York Yankees

Where: Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive (corner of Dale Mabry Highway and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard), Tampa

Tickets: $17-33; (813) 879-2244, toll-free (800) 745-3000

Key additions: RHP Bartolo Colon, LHP Pedro Feliciano, RHP Freddy Garcia, OF Andruw Jones, C Russell Martin, RHP Rafael Soriano

Key losses: DH Lance Berkman, LHP Andy Pettitte, DH/OF Marcus Thames, RHP Javier Vazquez, RHP Kerry Wood

Spring story lines

Pitching in: The biggest question mark is the rotation with the fourth and fifth spot up for grabs. Veteran RHPs Colon and Garcia were brought in to compete with up-and-coming RHP Ivan Nova and versatile RHP Sergio Mitre. Colon, 37, who is scheduled to start today's exhibition opener against the Phillies, hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2009.

Catching on: The Yankees signed Martin to take over as the starting catcher, with veteran Jorge Posada moving to designated hitter. Martin, 28, an All-Star with the Dodgers in 2007 and 2008, hopes to bounce back after two down years. He will be eased into action after December's surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee. Martin's health as well as Posada's transition to DH will be keys to watch.

Bounce back: Burnett, coming off his worst season, knows there will be a lot of eyes on him. He went 10-15 with a 5.26 ERA in 2010 and has been working on his mechanics with new pitching coach Larry Rothschild. With Pettitte's retirement and the Yankees missing out on free agent Cliff Lee, the Yankees need a big year from Burnett.

Toronto Blue Jays

Where: Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin

Tickets: $15-27; (727) 733-0429, toll-free 1-888-525-5297

Key additions: RHP Octavio Dotel, RHP Frank Francisco, 3B Brett Lawrie, RHP Jon Rauch, , RF Juan Rivera

Key losses: RHP Scott Downs, RHP Kevin Gregg, RHP Shaun Marcum, OF Vernon Wells

Spring story lines

Taking the fifth: Though the Jays traded Marcum, they still boast an intriguing young rotation. First-year manager John Farrell, the former Red Sox pitching coach, will have a tough decision on the No. 5 starter. The competition appears to be among RHP Jesse Litsch (a graduate of Dixie Hollins High), LHP Marc Rzepczynski and rookie RHP Zach Stewart. Litsch, who missed most of the past two seasons due to injuries, has the most experience. But Rzepczynski shined during winter ball.

Closing time: Toronto revamped its bullpen, but the question is who replaces Gregg as closer. Francisco saved 25 games for Texas in 2009 and has a powerful arm. But Rauch filled in admirably for Joe Nathan in Minnesota last season, racking up 21. Dotel also will be in the mix.

Stepping up: Rookie J.P. Arencibia, having spent the past four seasons in the minors, hopes to crack the opening day roster as the starting catcher. Arencibia, 25, has proved his offensive abilities in the minors, including hitting 32 homers last year at Triple A. But the Jays likely will be watching how he performs defensively.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

Florida coach Billy Donovan calls it "uncharted territory," the path his men's basketball team has taken to the top of the SEC standings. His players view it more as a just reward. Both sides have legitimate points.

In the past three years, Florida has made back-to-back National Invitation Tournament appearances then lost in the first round of last year's NCAA Tournament.

During those years, the Gators became well-known for their late-season collapses.

Today, No. 13 Florida will play No. 22 Kentucky at 4 p.m. in Rupp Arena having locked up the No. 1 seed in the SEC tournament and still in the hunt for the overall SEC regular-season title with three games remaining. The Gators have won nine of their past 10 games, including six straight.

It is those previous years of adversity that have these Gators wanting even more.

"We're excited, but it's still not everything," senior forward Alex Tyus said. "We want to get the whole SEC. We're excited that we have three big games coming up to do that. Definitely, this is just the start. … We know we need to pay attention to detail in practice and keep fighting in these next three games."

To achieve that goal, Florida will play at Kentucky today, host SEC West leader Alabama on Tuesday, then close out the regular season March 5 at Vanderbilt. A victory over Kentucky and a win over Alabama seal the overall title for the Gators.

But that's most likely easier said than done.

Kentucky is just 3-7 on the road this season and is coming off a 77-76 overtime road loss to Arkansas on Wednesday.

But at home, the Wildcats are 13-0 and have the nation's second-longest home winning streak (32). They are also 7-1 this season in bounce-back games.

"I think probably going in a lot of people wouldn't give us a whole lot of chance to win the game because of what they've done the last few years there," Donovan said. "I mean, it's a very, very difficult place to play. They probably on an average win about 90 percent of their games there. … It's a terrific team, and a team we had a chance to beat early in the year, and they are going to come back really excited and ready to play."

The first time the teams met this season, the Gators took a big lead, fell behind, then came back to win 70-68. But Kentucky has won the past three meetings with the Gators at Rupp Arena.

"We understand it's not going to come easy," UF senior forward Chandler Parsons said. "If we handle our business, it doesn't matter what Alabama does. We've just got to take one game at a time, and we control our own destiny with how we perform. (But) it's Rupp Arena; they haven't lost in 32 games there. And they are obviously a great team; they have a lot of talent. But we're going in there with the mentality that we're going to win the game. We understand we've got a long stretch, and it's not going to be easy."

For Florida's seniors, who have endured the NIT and the first-round NCAA loss, this year's success is special. The key is not getting complacent now.

"Not a chance," Tyus said. "You don't even need to worry about that."

Times staff
Friday, February 25, 2011

Urban Invitational: 4 p.m. on MLB Network. A chance to see Bethune-Cookman in baseball as the Wildcats take on UC Irvine.

College GameDay: 8 p.m. on ESPN. The crew heads to Blacksburg, Va., for tonight's showdown between Duke and Virginia Tech (game starts at 9).

Showtime Boxing: 10 p.m. on Showtime. Miguel Acosta takes on Brandon Rios for the WBA world lightweight title.

By Bill Hardman, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 25, 2011

What's hot: The water conditions in Tampa Bay have meant good spearfishing over the past couple of weeks. Good water visibility has helped bring in sheepshead, black drum and even some hogfish. The absence of strong cold fronts also has allowed divers and anglers to get off the coast. The ledges out to 40 feet still hold some big sheepshead and hogfish. Spanish mackerel are swarming over both ledges and wrecks. And flounder are still in sandy areas that skirt the shallow wrecks.

Deeper water: Amberjacks are schooling on wrecks and springs in 70 feet and deeper. This time of year, these schools can easily hold more than 100 fish from 20-70 pounds. The schools move up and down the wreck and can appear and disappear in an instant. Being surrounded by such a massive school of these fish can mesmerize a newer diver. That's not the only overwhelming part — the power of these fish is just as legendary. Always be ready to cut your line free if you bite off more fish than you can handle.

Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg and can be reached at CaptainBillHardman@gmail.com or (727) 344-3483.

Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Sitting second in what would be the final restart at the Daytona 500, Tony Stewart was in prime position to end his long and seemingly inexplicable winless streak in "The Great American Race."

But after a missed hookup with Mark Martin and another car or two thrown into the mix, the driver they call "Smoke" saw his hopes go up in smoke.

Now 0-for-13 in NASCAR's biggest race, Stewart can only shrug this one off and move to the next race. It's the only move he has at this point.

"It's over. We're on to Phoenix now," Stewart said Friday after a practice session at Phoenix International Raceway. " … If we're paying attention to what we did last week, we're not doing a good job this week right now."

Stewart, 39, has been a winner seemingly everywhere in everything.

He has championships in karts, midgets and USAC sprints and earned the 1997 Indy Racing League title. In Sprint Cup he has two titles and 39 victories. His 12-year run with at least one victory is the longest in the series.

He has had a lot of success at Daytona, too, with 16 total victories, including last weekend's Nationwide race.

But when it comes to the Daytona 500, Stewart can't quite pull it off.

An offseason repaving made two-car drafting the only way to get to the front last week. Stewart worked the system well throughout the race, moving to the front after starting 25th, but he just lost touch when he needed it the most.

Coming out of the restart, he and Martin, right behind him, tried to get a two-car train going. But they couldn't synch up, bouncing off each other's bumpers. Stewart and Martin began drifting apart; Martin found another drafting partner, Stewart didn't and it was too late for both. Martin finished 10th, Stewart 13th.

"We had an excellent shot at it, but as it turned out, we didn't get the run we had hoped, and the wind from the other cars broke us apart," said Martin, himself 0-for-27 in the 500. "It wouldn't have been any big deal if we would have had five laps left, but we only had a lap and a half left, and we were broke well apart — four or five or six car lengths."

Next up is Phoenix, which will look and feel quite different when NASCAR returns this fall.

Almost as soon as the checkers drop Sunday, the mile-long oval will undergo its first repaving in 20 years, along with a slight reconfiguration that will add progressive banking.

"Everybody's good when tracks have grip," Stewart said. "It's been that way in every form of racing that I've ever seen. It's when the crews have to work on the handling of the car and the drivers have to find ways of finding more grip or managing the grip they have — that's when it separates the men from the boys, so to speak."

A little less separation with Martin and Stewart could have been gripping one of the few trophies he doesn't have.

Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011

After win, Bayne still seeking deals

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Trevor Bayne won the Daytona 500 in one of NASCAR's biggest upsets, but that hasn't sent sponsors knocking down his door. At least not yet.

The 20-year-old was able to add an 18th Sprint Cup race with his winnings from Daytona but would like to run a full schedule. He doesn't have a sponsor for his second-tier Nationwide series car, either.

"Maybe these first seven races we can get some momentum and some companies will want to come on board," Bayne said Friday at Phoenix International Raceway. "Our goal would be to run the full season. … We need some people to come on board."

The youngest driver to win the 500, Bayne said he has had a chaotic week, including calls from President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, TV appearances and meeting actor Pamela Anderson.

Back on track at Phoenix, Bayne hit the Turn 3 wall in practice and had to go to a backup car.

Kyle Busch keeps truck ride smooth

A quick pit stop and some key changes made Kyle Busch a winner with a new truck and a new bride.

Fastest out of the pits on the opening stop — and on the track the rest of the night after a few adjustments — Busch led the final 107 of 150 laps in the first race in his new ride to win a wreck-filled trucks race at Phoenix.

"We made some good changes to our Toyota to where it would pick up some speed and we could really hustle through the corners," said Busch, who was married in the offseason. "So these guys did a great job for me."

Busch dominated the Lucas Oil 150 for his 25th win in 87 truck starts — the fastest to reach that mark in any of NASCAR's top three series.

"He always is the guy to beat in this series," runnerup Clint Bowyer said of Busch.

IndyCar challenge unlikely to draw

Former open-wheel driver AJ Allmendinger said he might be open to racing in IndyCar's season finale in Las Vegas for a chance at $5 million. Allmendinger, who switched to NASCAR in 2008, says driving in the Oct. 16 race is unlikely, but the money would be good incentive. IndyCar will give as many as five qualified drivers from outside the series a chance to earn $5 million if they can win the race. Among other former open-wheel stars now in NASCAR, Juan Montoya said it would be logistically impossible because NASCAR races in Charlotte that weekend, albeit on Saturday (the IndyCar race is Sunday). Tony Stewart said he'd love to try, but it's unlikely because it would take three or four races of preparation to have a chance of winning.

Times wires

Super offer extended to fans

The fans frozen out of the Super Bowl on Feb. 6 in Arlington, Texas, got another offer, but this time not from the NFL. Las Vegas Motor Speedway offered tickets to the March 4-6 NASCAR weekend to fans displaced from Super Bowl XLV because their seats weren't ready. LVMS representatives said 34 took advantage of the offer; those fans will be in a random drawing to win airfare plus three nights at the Stratosphere Hotel, Casino and Tower. The NFL has made increasingly valuable offers to those fans in the weeks since the Super Bowl.

Number of the week

0 Winners in the three major NASCAR series races at Daytona who are leading those series in points; Trevor Bayne (Sprint Cup winner), Tony Stewart (Nationwide) and Michael Waltrip (trucks) have all declared to run for different series titles.

Times staff
Friday, February 25, 2011

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

TAMPA — Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he would like to add a forward before Monday's trade deadline.

With W Ryan Malone out until perhaps the playoffs because of what is believed to be a stomach muscle injury, another body up front would pick up some slack. "So I'd be interested in adding a forward," Yzerman said, "but it's going to be difficult for us to do that, realistically."

The problem is what Tampa Bay can offer. Yzerman kind of went back on his word not to trade his first-, second- or third-round draft picks in 2011 and 2012 when he sent a third-round pick to the Blues for D Eric Brewer last week. "I'm not going to trade any more draft picks," he said.

And that is limiting.

"For me to trade a (potential unrestricted free agent) to a team not in the playoffs, they're not interested in that," Yzerman said. "They want picks and prospects. And the teams that are in the playoffs, there aren't that many where there's a fit where I can add a forward."

There has been speculation Tampa Bay might be interested in Buffalo's Mike Grier, a 6-foot-1, 224-pound wing. Grier, 36, won't give much offense (three goals, 13 points in 59 games), but he entered Friday plus-2 and tied for third on the team with 96 hits.

"It's going to be difficult (to acquire) a forward who can replace Ryan Malone," Yzerman said. "In all likelihood it would be someone to add depth and buy us time until Ryan gets back."

MINOR INJURY: Coach Guy Boucher said the lower-body injury that caused D Mattias Ohlund to be a late scratch is not serious and he could be ready to play Wednesday in New Jersey.

WELCOME BACK: G Mike Smith cleared re-entry waivers Friday and backed up Dwayne Roloson against the Devils.

"Relieved," Smith said of returning to Tampa. "I've had a perma-grin since (Yzerman) called me. I'm just excited about being back here with the guys."

Smith was 1-4-0 with AHL Norfolk, but his 1.83 goals-against average and .924 save percentage indicated he played well.

"I'm definitely mentally stronger after all this," said Smith, demoted to Norfolk on Feb. 5 after going 17-10-5 in 17 games with a 3.20 GAA and .883 save percentage. "I went down there and played my game. I felt like myself again. Hopefully, I can bring that back up here."

What does this mean for G Curtis McElhinney, acquired Thursday from the Ducks for G Dan Ellis? He likely will be on waivers and sent to the minors.

LUCKY RESULT: D Brett Clark said he was fortunate only his knees hit the end boards when he was run in the third period by New Jersey's Mattias Tedenby, who was called for holding.

"He just got me in a bad position," Clark said. "I just went into the boards an awkward way."

ODDS AND ENDS: C Vinny Lecavalier and C Steven Stamkos led the game with five hits each. … LW Marty St. Louis has three goals, eight assists in an eight-game points streak. … D Mike Lundin, out eight games with what is believed to be an abdominal injury, could practice next week, Boucher said. … Devils RW David Clarkson, cut by a skate, needed 18 stitches in his right forearm. ... LW Johan Harju was scratched.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

No. 13 Florida at No. 22 Kentucky

When/where: 4 today; Rupp Arena, Lexington, Ky.

Notable: The Gators won 70-68 at home Feb. 5 as Chandler Parsons led UF with 17 points. … Despite their struggles this season, the Wildcats are averaging 80.2 points on 47.8 percent shooting over the past five games. Kentucky is the only school in the SEC to have two players in the top five in scoring (Terrence Jones, 17.6 points per game, and Brandon Knight, 17.7 ppg) and rebounding (Jones, 9.1, and Josh Harrellson, 8.8). … Florida will be playing its second game in less than 48 hours, so even though it has played Kentucky before, UF coach Billy Donovan said it doesn't make the turnaround any easier. "In a lot of ways, it's a different scouting report because you've got to make a lot of adjustments and anticipate some adjustments they are going to make as well."

Antonya English, Times staff writer